John S. Butler Law Firm Services
Jail Release
Obtaining release from jail is, of course, often the first goal. Getting a personal bond approved by a judge, help in obtaining a bail bondsman, and seeking reduction of the bond amount are some of the services we provide.
Jury Trials and Trials before the Court
I have been representing defendants in trials before juries and judges since my days as a student attorney with the University of Texas School of Law. Even if a case is ultimately settled through the plea-bargain process, the results for the client are often better with a lawyer who is ready and willing to go to trial.
Appeals
If you are tried and found guilty, you have only thirty days to begin the appeal process in State Court, only ten days in Federal court. Prompt action, attention to detail, and a thorough knowledge of the law are essential to successfully represent a client in the appeal process. As a board-certified specialist in criminal law, I have been recognized by my peers, and by the State Bar of Texas, as having the thorough understanding of the law that an appellate attorney needs.
Driver's License Suspensions and Occupational Licenses
A person's driver's license can be suspended for many reasons in Texas these days: too many traffic tickets, lack of liability insurance, or a DWI arrest or conviction, to name a few. Driving with a suspended license can lead to yet another suspension, as well as another criminal case to defend. Challenging a suspension at a contested hearing and obtaining an occupational license are an important part of my practice.
Expunctions and Orders of Nondisclosure
When a criminal charge is dismissed, or when a defendant is found not guilty at trial, the case can generally be expunged. All records of the incident are removed from government records and the person arrested is legally entitled to deny that the arrest and charge occurred. Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure sets out the procedure for, and effect of, an expunction.
When a person successfully completes a deferred adjudication probation, the records can often be sealed. This is done with an Order of Nondisclosure. While the records are not eliminated, as with an expunction, they are not available to the public, which can be a blessing, especially when applying for employment. Section 411.081 of the Texas Government Code sets out the procedure for an Order of Nondisclosure.
